What To Buy? Zyrtec R, Zyrtec D & Zyrtec.
Zyrtec®, Zyrtec D®, and Zyrtec R® are all brand names for the medication cetirizine dihydrochloride, but they may be formulated differently depending on where you live. We clear up the confusion behind the different types of Zyrtec®, their different names, and what should be used when.
Zyrtec® R
 Zyrtec® R contains a single active ingredient:
- Cetirizine dihydrochloride 10mgÂ
Cetirizine belongs to a group of medications frequently prescribed for relief of cold and allergy symptoms, called antihistamines.
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Antihistamines are medicines that act by blocking the body’s response to histamine in different parts of the body. This reduces the severity of the reaction and eases the symptoms of allergy.
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Zyrtec® R is used to treat symptoms associated with cold and allergy symptoms and hypersensitivity, such as:
Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis / hay fever)
Hives (urticaria) / itchy skin rash
Red, itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Itchy nose
Eczema (dermatitis) / itchy skin
Asthma
Generalized and skin reactions to bites and stings
Zyrtec® R is the replacement / new version of original Zyrtec®, which is no longer available in Singapore under that brand name.
Zyrtec® D
Zyrtec®-D contains two active ingredients, namely:
- Cetirizine dihydrochloride 5mg (immediate release form)
- 120 mg pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (prolonged-release form)
Cetirizine belongs to a group of medications frequently prescribed for relief of cold and allergy symptoms, called antihistamines.
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Antihistamines are medicines that act by blocking the body’s response to histamine in different parts of the body. This reduces the severity of the reaction and eases the symptoms of allergy.
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Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant, that shrinks blood vessels. Decongestant drugs cause the mucous membranes in nasal passages to contract, which decreases swelling and secretion of mucus.Â
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Zyrtec® D is used to treat conditions associated with allergy symptoms and hypersensitivity, such as:
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Blocked nose / nasal obstruction
Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis / hay fever)
Hives (urticaria) / itchy skin rash
Red, itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Itchy nose
Eczema (dermatitis) / itchy skin
Asthma
Generalized and skin reactions to bites and stings
Zyrtec®
Zyrtec®, in its original form is no longer available in Singapore, and has been replaced by Zyrtec® R.
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Zyrtec® contained a single active ingredient:
- Cetirizine dihydrochloride 10mgÂ
Frequently Asked Questions
References:
Zyrtec®-R Patient Information Leaflet
Zyrtec®-D Patient Information Leaflet
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Disclaimer:
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